Superman, The Avengers, Scott Pilgrim: June 4th Comic Reel

An old friend notes Christopher Nolan's comments about the project in the new issue of Empire:

What it is, while David Goyer and myself were putting together the story for another Batman film a few years ago, you know thrashing out where we might move on from the Dark Knight, we got stuck. We were just sitting there idly chatting and he said ”by the way, I think know how you approach Superman and he told me his take on it. I thought it was really tremendous. It was the first time I’ve been able to conceive of how you’d address Superman in a modern context I thought it was a really exciting idea.

What you have to remember about Batman and Superman is that what makes them the best superhero characters there are, the most beloved after all this time, is the essence of who they were when they were created, when they were first developed. You can’t move too far away from that.

Release date: 2012?

THE AVENGERS

After months of speculation, wonder, and denial, Heat Vision reports actor Jeremy Renner is in talks to play Hawkeye in the film. While it would seem his casting was one of the worst kept secrets at Marvel, Heat Vision claims it was more an issue of timing. "At the time more taken with Paul Thomas Anderson's untitled drama and was being heavily courted by Universal for "Battleship." Renner never joined "Battleship," and while he still has definite interest in Anderson's film, that project is still cobbling financing and has seen its start pushed back several times. Renner saw a chance to take on work in a role that, while key, is not starring in nature and will allow him to slide into Anderson's film if it should come together," they write.

Release date: May 4th, 2012

SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD

The MTV Movie Awards will feature a clip from the film. Luckly enough, director Edgar Wright gives MTV a preview of that preview. Or something. Yeah. On with the video:

Deadline reports actor Neal McDonough is in talks to play Dum Dum Dugan in the film. McDonough previously appeared as the titular "Tin Man" in the Sci Fi Original Miniseries and Lt. Hawk, the Starfleet officer who was meant to be gay in "Star Trek: First Contact."

Starring Chris Evans, release date: July 22nd, 2011

BATMAN: UNDER THE RED HOOD

Here at CBR, we have another interview/press release for the direct-to-video release. This time, voice director Andrea Romano discusses casting the film. "Each one of these actors had something to bring to the party above and beyond what was required of them. They had questions, they had input, they had ideas and, because the piece is so adult, complex, intense and dark, they knew they weren’t coming in to play The Smurfs. In order to make sure they were in the right head space and had the right tone, they asked a lot of questions. And that’s always a good sign. When the actors are that involved with their characters and the story, that challenges Bruce (Timm) and I to truly think through everything even more thoroughly, and then it becomes a much more collaborative effort. I’m not above telling an actor how to read a line. But I’d prefer that the actor comes up with the idea himself and I’m able to just tweak things here and there. We all need a challenge, something that keeps us on our toes, and recording this film was one of those experiences. A very, very positive experience," she says.

Release date: Summer 2010

THOR

Drew McWeeny at Hitfix says those costume images of Thor from the other day do not reflect the true final costume. "For one thing, it does not appear to be made of vinyl or plastic when you see the costume in context and in motion. I'm surprised by how disco-shiny those photos make him look, because that's not at all what it looks like in the film. There's a real cloth and metal feel to all of the costuming, especially the Asgardian stuff," he writes. "That early official shot of Hemsworth did a nice job of setting a mood, and that's something these leaked images lack completely. Also, whoever did the Photoshopping on these has some real issues with scale. Forget that cape that looks snapped on... what about the way his head and hands look freakishly large? Look, these images weren't meant for public consumption. If you're looking at these and thinking, 'Oh, man, they got him totally wrong,' relax. The world of 'Thor' is big and rich and surprising, and I think once people actually see moving footage, they're going to let go of any minor issues they have with button sizes or color palettes."

Starring Chris Hemsworth, release date: May 6th, 2011

NO ORDINARY FAMILY

Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello reports actors Tate Donovan and Christina Chang are leaving the series after breif appearences in the pilot. "Producers hope to bring both actors back on a guest-star basis, their schedules permitting," he writes.

Airdate: Fall

HEROES

As we reported here at CBR yesterday, creator Tim Kring tells TV Guide he has wants the "Heroes" wrap-up, should it happen, to cover the "huge cultural and social change in the world. Some [of our characters] will be hiding, some struggling, some basking in the glory."

Airdate: Never?

DOCTOR WHO

Friday means some "Doctor Who" clips courtesy of Doctorwhotvuk.co.uk. Here's some for "Vincent and the Doctor":

Airs: Saturday in the UK, June 26th in the States

WEEKEND BRUNCHES

Cue a Lucky Soul track and get me a White Russian, it's the weekend! It seems the weekend will be no fun for the superhero community on Hollywood Boulevard. After years of costumed panhandling, the city is cracking down on the folks dressed as various heroes and movie icons. Just yesterday, they arrested Batman:

Meanwhile, if any of you in the great, wide Internet discover something awesome, disheartening, or just plain weird, let us know! Take credit, come up with a clever nickname, or go anonymous. The choice is yours. Fresh rumors and movie news every weekday morning. I am Erik Amaya bracing for the future threat of costumed backlash.